Detroit Cops Caught on Video Shoving Reporter Against Wall – Can You Guess What the Investigation Into the Incident Determined?

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Two Detroit police officers were caught on tape shoving a WJBK-TV reporter when he tried to speak to City Council President Pro-Tem George Cushingberry Jr. at a Jan. 28 meeting.

The incident sparked an investigation by the Detroit Police Department, which concluded that the physical action taken against reporter M.L. Elrick was “reasonable and necessary.”

WJBK-TV

In video captured by WJBK-TV, the officers can be seen pushing Elrick against the wall as he tried to address Cushingberry at a public meeting at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Detroit. The reporter appeared shocked by the use of force.

“What are you doing?” he says in the video. “You know better than that. … Your job is push around reporters?”

The sergeant responded: “My job is to not let you get in my way.”

On Wednesday, Detroit police released the results of their investigation. The sergeant involved in the incident will return to work on Monday and no charges will be filed as it was determined that his behavior was “reasonable and necessary.”

“This isn’t the first time Detroit police have roughed up a reporter, or a citizen, trying to get answers, and I think it’s troubling that the chief saw nothing wrong here,” Elrick responded. “We’re going to continue to try and hold public officials accountable, and I think it’s disappointing that police in a city that don’t have enough police are being used to protect public officials who don’t want to answer questions.”

Cushingberry was recently pulled over with open alcohol containers and marijuana in his car, according to WJBK-TV. In a deal made with the Michigan State Attorney Board, he reportedly had his license suspended for 45 days.